June 2026 SAME JAX NEWSLETTER
Posted by Brian Murphy on Jun. 18, 2026 / SAME JAX Post / Subscribe 0
REGISTER EARLY FOR OUR NEXT MEETING USACE JAX: WED JULY 15th
(IT WILL SELL OUT QUICKLY)
CLICK HERE OR THE IMAGE BELOW TO REGISTER!
Our next meeting we will have Mr. Aldone Graham, from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District as our guest speaker. Mr. Graham has served as the Chief of Contracting for USACE JAX since May 2022. In this role, Mr. Graham is responsible for managing a contract program of more than $1 billion on behalf of the Jacksonville District. Mr. Graham has served with USACE since 2003. He started as a student intern with the USACE Omaha District and was later hired as a Contract Specialist. He has also served as a Contracting Team Lead with the USACE Alaska District and as the Chief of the Service and Supply Branch in the Contracting Division of the USACE Sacramento District. Mr. Graham is DAWIA Level-III certified in Contracting and currently holds an UNLIMITED PCO Warrant in support of the USACE Jacksonville District. He graduated from the Omaha District Leadership Development Program in 2006 and has served as an instructor for the Alaska District’s Leadership Development Program. He currently resides in St. Augustine with his wife and three sons. He is an avid sports dad and enjoys basketball, skateboarding, snowboarding, and traveling.
2026 UPCOMING MEETINGS
July 15, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Add to Calendar
August 12, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Add to Calendar
September 16, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Add to Calendar
October 21, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Add to Calendar
November 18, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Add to Calendar
Jacksonville Engineering Societies Together Social Thursday June 18th
- Location – Veterans United Craft Brewery, 8999 Western Way, Jacksonville
- Date – Thursday, June 18th
- Time – 5:30 to 7:30 pm
JUNE 17: O&D Installation and Awards Meeting
At our meeting on Wednesday, June 17th we said farewell to our outgoing Officers and Directors (O&D) and hello to our incoming 2026-2027 O&D. In particular, we would like to thank Tom Bestafka, for his fearless leadership as our past year's President, while we welcome Ret. Captain Miguel Dieguez (USN) as our incoming Post President. The following is the list of new O&D Officers:
Tom also presented this year's awards to the following deserving companies and individuals:
Sustaining Member Firm – Large Business: AECOM
We are pleased to recognize AECOM for its exemplary support of the Post, including its outstanding commitment as the Titanium Sponsor for SAME JETS 2025, its support of our STEM Camp, and its continued connection to our SAME Fellows through Captain (Ret.) Mike Blount.
Sustaining Member Firm – Medium Business: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc.
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. is being recognized for its continued support of and partnership with the Post. We are especially grateful for EA’s support of JETS, including the time, energy, and leadership provided by Melissa Smith.
Sustaining Member Firm – Small Business: 3002 Surveying
We are proud to recognize 3002 Surveying for its ongoing support and many contributions to the Post through Brian Murphy’s dedicated service. Brian has been instrumental in supporting JETS, Industry Day, Post communications, the website, and many other behind-the-scenes efforts that help keep the Post moving forward. His tireless dedication and service are exemplary and truly inspiring.
Member of the Year: Kevin Davenport
Kevin Davenport is being recognized for his tireless efforts as Education and Training Chair. Kevin not only leads a dedicated team in selecting scholarship recipients, but he also plays an instrumental role in the Post’s outreach to STEM programs throughout the Jacksonville area. Through his support of Engineering Career Day and other STEM initiatives, Kevin is helping develop future STEM leaders and strengthening the mission of SAME.
Post Young Professional of the Year: Lieutenant Commander Megan Dunton, NAVFAC Southeast
Lieutenant Commander Megan Dunton is being recognized for her exceptional efforts to increase Post membership and engagement among young professionals. Her outreach to UNF, UF Jacksonville, Jacksonville Engineering Societies Together, and NAVFAC Southeast reflects her tireless commitment to expanding SAME’s reach and developing the next generation of leaders.
Regional Vice President Medal: Commander (Ret.) Anant Patel
Commander (Ret.) Anant Patel is being recognized for his outstanding service as Treasurer. He provided comprehensive financial oversight, managed more than $1.4 million in assets, and helped ensure the successful execution of key programs such as JETS 2025 and STEM Camp through precise, transparent financial management. His dedication, problem-solving, and commitment to operational excellence have significantly strengthened the Post’s financial position, governance, and overall impact.
Regional Vice President Coin: Officer Rey Coll, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Officer Rey Coll is being recognized for his many years of dedicated service and support to the Jacksonville Post. As the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office representative assigned to the Post for the past eight years, Rey has provided safety and security for Post meetings and events since 2018. He has been a collaborative and proactive partner, ensuring coverage for major events such as Industry Day and JETS. As Officer Coll retires after many years of service to JSO, the greater Jacksonville community, and SAME, we are grateful for his professionalism, commitment, and friendship.
Post President Award: Commander (Ret.) Marcel Duplantier
Commander (Ret.) Marcel Duplantier is being recognized for his outstanding leadership of the JETS team. Marcel took on the significant task of coordinating and leading the many teams responsible for speakers, panelists, social events, venue logistics, registration, sponsorships, the golf outing, audio/visual support, and countless other details. He did all of this with patience, professionalism, and good humor — even while carrying the added burden of working closely with the Post President!
Please click below to view the photo album:
Thank you to Joe Charles of Easter Contractors Corporation for taking photos at our June 17th meeting
2026 SAME Tri-Regional JETS Conference
Join us at the Gulf Coast, Southeast, and Carolinas Tri-Regional Joint Engineer Training Symposium (JETS), in New Orleans, LA on October 6th – 8th, Hosted by the Louisiana Post.
https://www.same.org/event/2026-tri-regional-jets-conference/
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – Thursday, October 8, 2026
Astor Crowne Plaza Experience
739 Canal St. @, Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
APEX Accelerator's Coffee and Contracting: July 2nd @ 9am
Click here to Register for Free
SAME JAX Bylaws Updated
After a thorough and deliberate process executed by our immediate Past President, Mr. Randy Tompkins of DRMP, the Officers and Directors of SAME Jacksonville Post are pleased to share our updated Bylaws. Mr. Tompkins relied on guidance from SAME National, input from SAME Jax leadership, feedback from our O&D, and after all that and a vote of approval from Post Members, this "labor of love" by Randy is now complete. Thank you, Randy, very much for your continued leadership of and service to the Post. Click Here to view the updated Bylaws.
Helpful PDH Information
Some boards (e.g., Florida) require CEU documentation to include both the topic and the instructor/presenter. See our list of previous meetings with speakers.
Thank You to our 2026 Sponsors!
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